Successful Screen Writer
Login
Become a Member
Become a Member
Login

Archives

In the Spotlight: Adam Ristau

As an autodidact myself I can appreciate the amount of sheer will and grit it takes to be able to learn something without the benefits of…

In the Spotlight: Martin Keady

Martin Keady is a renaissance man. From screenwriter to poet and even an operatic librettist, Martin is able to capture the attention of…

In the Spotlight: Gregory Pricoli

Art is passion. The best stories and screenplays come from deep within us. It’s that inner burning you feel when you “must” sit down and…

In the Spotlight: Kathryn R. King

Futurism. Lately, people think of the worst possible outcome. Anywhere from Mad Max to Big Brother comes to mind. More than likely…

In the Spotlight: Alaina MacPherson

Finding the balance is key and can be one of the hardest things to achieve as a screenwriter. It’s easy to lose yourself in the process…

In the Spotlight: Tracy Schumer

The best writers have tasted life. They have lived the ups and downs. They have travelled the world and been awed by it’s unique diversity.

In the Spotlight: Lindy S. Hudis

As screenwriters, we are the purveyors of emotion. Our job is to create a character that an audience connects to on an almost primal level..

In the Spotlight: Brett Scieszka

Screenwriting is about finding balance. You can win awards, get optioned, and even produced and still struggle to find work. During this…

In the Spotlight: Les Zig

Screenwriting is an opportunity. It allows us to weave a story which can inspire hope or even challenge other peoples view of the world. Les

In the Spotlight: Jona Doug

Jona Doug. Michigan native. Lover of outdoors, Jeep Wranglers, and smoking meat. Contracts Lawyer by day. Screenwriter at night…

In the Spotlight: Jonathan Yates

Jonathan has discovered the most difficult literary art on the planet. Screenwriting. Many have approached this alluring and even…

In the Spotlight: Kathryn Orwig

This requires a level of dedication, love for the craft, and mindfulness of ones self to create a script worthy of being “on the big screen.

In the Spotlight: AJ Thibault

Screenwriting is a path not a destination. The path is that of a student/learner. Those who dedicate themselves to it…

In the Spotlight: Larry E. Coleman

Becoming a screenwriter is not a destination unto itself. It is a path and finds us in the most unsuspecting ways as it did for Larry…

In the Spotlight: Latrice Doston

Passion is the fuel of any screenwriter. It’s what drives us through this difficult journey. This is what fuels Latrice Doston…

In the Spotlight: Kim Hornsby

Screenwriting is about community. Learning from your peers and giving back is essential to our own development on this path. Kim Hornsby…

In the Spotlight: Iustina Ciobanu

Her drive and focus have led her to write several novels and also become an award-winning screenwriter. It is of no surprise that she is…

In The Spotlight: Eric Rudnick

Explore the fascinating journey of Eric Rudnick, a versatile screenwriter and filmmaker whose narrative prowess stems from an initial…

In The Spotlight: Mary Scheyder

Mary Scheyder is a vibrant screenwriter whose journey from game programming to storytelling captures her unique spirit and dedication to…

In The Spotlight: Hope Hickli

Hope Hickli stands out as a beacon of creativity and determination. From her early days crafting international marketing materials for CBC

In the Spotlight: Jonas Kord

Jonas Kord is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, turning personal hardships into a celebrated cinematic career

Twisters: A love letter to 90s action films

28 years after the original, Twisters picked up where the original left off.
Twisters, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell, is an interesting film to say the least.

How Competitive Is Screenwriting?

Discover the competitiveness of screenwriting. Learn how to stand out, navigate writing gigs, and build supportive relationships in this challenging industry.

Is Screenwriting hard?

Following up on our previous discussion about why screenwriting is hard, let’s delve into whether screenwriting itself is hard. The answer is nuanced and depends on several

Is Screenwriting a Good Career?

Explore if screenwriting is a good career. Learn about the realities, challenges, and rewards, including job inconsistency, financial aspects, and the creative fulfillment it offers.

Will Screenwriting Be Replaced by AI?

Will AI replace screenwriting? Explore the role and limitations of AI in screenwriting, featuring insights from industry experts. Discover how AI and human creativity can coexist

Why Is Screenwriting Important?

Discover the importance of screenwriting and its impact on visual storytelling, character development, cultural influence, and more. Learn why this craft is vital to the entertainment industry and how it shapes the stories we love.

Why is Screenwriting So Hard?

Discover why screenwriting is considered one of the toughest forms of writing. Learn about the challenges and get tips on how to overcome them. Perfect for aspiring screenwriters!

What Does a Screenwriter Actually Do?

Discover the crucial role of screenwriters in filmmaking, from crafting stories to shaping cinema, and why their work is the backbone of every film.

Which Screenwriter Has Won The Most Oscars?

Explore the world of screenwriting greatness as we reveal which screenwriter holds the record for the most Oscar wins. Uncover insights into their successful career and iconic films.

Which Screenwriting Software Is Best?

Find your ideal screenwriting software with our comprehensive comparison. From Final Draft to WriterDuet, see how they stack up for your creative process!

Where To Find Screenwriting Jobs?

Explore top platforms for screenwriting jobs, including Inktip, ISA, Mandy.com, and networking tips to launch your career in storytelling.

Where To Study Screenwriting?

Explore where to study screenwriting, from top programs like USC and NYU to self-study with resources like ‘The Guide for Every Screenwriter’ and online courses.

Screenwriting: Where Do I Start?

Kickstart your screenwriting journey with expert guidance, from mastering the basics to refining your craft, with our book and podcast.

What Does Screenwriting Mean?

Explore the essence of screenwriting as art and communication, delving into its power to tell visual stories, express personal truths, and connect deeply

Is Screenwriting Worth It?

Why screenwriting is a cherished form of expression, not for wealth, but for the art of storytelling and its enduring impact on the world.

“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and Its Skar King Issue

A Showa Era Throwback Had Fun, But A Major Flaw Stands Out Before I start, let me make something absolutely clear: I AM NOT COMPARING THIS FILM TO GODZILLA MINUS ONE! Don’t even ask. Also, SPOILER ALERT. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a polarizing film. Fans and critics are split because though the […]

What is Screenwriting Credit?

Learn the secrets to securing screenwriting credit with essential tips on documentation, contracts, and navigating rewrites for indie writers

How Do I Learn Screenwriting?

Embark on your screenwriting journey with expert tips on basics, reading scripts, courses, writing regularly, and learning from “The Guide for Every Screenwriter.

Can you Practice Screenwriting?

Unlock your screenwriting potential: Tips on how to practice, free scripts library, courses, and live Q&As to elevate your craft. Start writing today.

Can You Learn Screenwriting?

Unlock your screenwriting potential with unique insights from a dyslexic writer’s journey, practical guides, and courses designed for all learning styles.

Can Screenwriters Make Money?

Explore the realities of making money in screenwriting: a profession of passion, perseverance, and planning, not just a ticket to fame and fortune.

Can Screenwriters work From Home?

Explore how screenwriters thrive working from home, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the rise of virtual writers’ rooms.

Can Screenwriters Become Actors?

Unlock the secrets to transitioning from screenwriting to acting with tips on honing your craft, networking, and creating opportunities.

Are Screenwriters in Demand?

Uncover the demand for screenwriters in cinema, from indie films to Hollywood, with expert tips for crafting standout scripts.

Are Screenwriting Classes worth it?

As a mentor to many aspiring screenwriters, a seasoned instructor of Advanced Screenwriting at Script University, and the author of the best-selling book, “The Guide for Every Screenwriter,” I’ve navigated the twists and turns of the screenwriting journey both personally and alongside many others. My mission has always been to guide, inspire, and elevate the […]

Are Screenwriting Contests Worth it?

Embarking on a screenwriting journey can often feel like navigating a vast, uncharted territory. For many emerging writers, screenwriting contests represent a beacon of hope—a chance to have their work recognized, validated, and perhaps even catapulted into the realm of professional filmmaking. But the burning question remains: Are screenwriting contests truly worth it? In this […]

Godzilla Minus One: A Plus for the franchise

Godzilla Minus One Enters A New Age For Godzilla As a diehard Godzilla fan, I went into Godzilla Minus One as excited as I’ve been for every single film I’ve ever watched. From the initial film which talks about the dread and panic following WWII, the campy superhero he became during the Showa Era Godzilla […]

Writing For A Living Requires A Hard Lesson

Things That I Wish I Learned Sooner Whether as a screenwriter, novelist, content creator, musician… The reason you’re all here is because you want to be a career writer. The goal is to leave the day job, move into a more comfortable reality, and create our passions for a living. There is absolutely nothing wrong […]

WGA New MBA Released

These are the new details of the Agreed Upon MBA On September 26th, 2023, the WGA voted to terminate the strike at 12:01 AM Pacific Time. With the strike ending, the WGA also released their new contract to the public to see exactly what’s been agreed upon before they vote as a union to accept […]

WRITER’S STRIKE ENDS AS WGA AND AMPTP REACH AN AGREEMENT

The Writers and Studios agreed to end the nearly 5-month strike. 146 days. Television and movie productions lost out on almost 5 months of development. Pencils were down. Signs were up. They marched day and night by the big cooling tower. They had the plant, but we had the power. 146 days. The AMPTP released […]

WGA vs. AMPTP: The Comedy of Straw Men

How the AMPTP uses partial knowledge to increase public pressure and why it’s failing. 108 days in total so far. The WGA and the AMPTP are still apart on a deal, but negotiations are ongoing. That said, the AMPTP has indeed brought new contracts to the table, and the WGA said no. So what did […]

Ep 31 – Using A.I. to Analyze a screenplay

GEOFFREY D. CALHOUN: All right. Welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast where we discuss anything and everything screenwriting here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to find out just what it takes to make it in the industry. All right, welcome to the podcast. Yes, this is an awesome guest we have on today Nadira […]

Scriptapalooza, It’s Not About The Apology. It’s about the Optics.

The damage the competition announcement did is already done. “The AI screenplay competition stands apart by showcasing the innovative potential of artificial intelligence, merging human creativity with machine intelligence.” This was a call to action from Scriptapalooza’s now deleted Artifical Intelligence Screenwriting Competition. In the amount of time it took to say that line aloud, […]

21 days later: there is a silver lining

Writers are having a hard time, but there is something you can hold on to. It’s easy to see why writers feel down right now. In fact, it’s completely understandable. We work hard and pay our dues, and some of us work day jobs to support our dreams of becoming great original writers or getting […]

Dear Hollywood, Stop Selling Writers the Dream. We’re not Buying It

One week into the strike, and there’s a looming shadow. One week into the 2023 WGA strike, there have been many major moments. Late-night shows are canceled. Shows like Stranger Things and The Hedge Knight are frozen in development until further notice. Finished products are still being released, although this writer is boycotting any new […]

WGA Srike/Unfair List

The WGA is Picketing, and there are rules. As the strike plays out, there are numerous companies and individuals who are currently on the Unfair list. The list was created by the Writer’s Guild board of directors to advise writers that these individuals or companies who have been accused of unfair practices, including: A list […]

WGA Strike Opinion: Empire Vs. Movement

There is a silver lining to the strike. The strike is in effect. Writers have walked off of sets. Late-night shows are canceled. Live variety shows are postponed. Many pre-productions have stopped, but this is only the beginning. Writers are picketing for their futures, their pay, and a sustainable life. Regardless of what is reported, […]

WGA SET TO STRIKE

There are many questions: Here are a few things you should know. On May 1, 2023, the Writer’s Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers failed to agree on a new contract. Immediately following, the WGA unanimously voted in favor of a strike, set to begin on Tuesday, May 2, […]

WGA 2023, Stand UP: This Is What’s on the Line

Writers Are The Backbone of Film. Support Writer’s Rights Yesterday, April 17, 2023, the Writer’s Guild of America overwhelmingly approved a strike, marking the first potential strike since 2007-2008. If it indeed happens, understand as filmmakers, writers, and even as movie and television viewers that there is more on the line in this strike than […]

5 Things I Learned At SXSW

This was my first time at “South By,” as the cool kids say, and my first time in the city of Austin. The energy during SXSW is electric and being amongst so many creative people is intoxicating. I came home feeling inspired and renewed as if I’d been at a week-long wellness retreat. I’m so […]

SXSW Filmmakers Proves A Major Point: Success Is Measured By Effort

The Writers and Filmmakers Present Faced Setbacks, But Made No Excuses With SXSW officially in the books, there are a lot of talking points. Great experiences? Check. Great films like “I Used To Be Funny” and “Late Night With The Devil”? Check. Music and networking? Check. SXSW was an experience like no other in terms […]

A Surprise Moment At SXSW From Robert Rodriguez

Meeting Someone Is Film Is One Thing, Meeting An Icon Is Another I will admit, I didn’t know what I was getting into when I was approached to do press for SXSW. I’ve written for sports, done movie reviews, and have interviews under my belt, but SXSW was something that I needed to experience firsthand […]

Going to SXSW? Here’s 10 Things You’ll Need To Do

Going to SXSW is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. There is so much to do there from networking, film premieres, exclusive experiences, and of course the after-party. So here is a quick list of what to do to take advantage of your time at SXSW. Seriously, I cannot stress this enough. Everyone begins with […]